Cardiff v Bristol City preview

Bluebirds enterain high-flying Robins

Last updated: 21st March 2008

cardiff dave jones birmingham championship

Jones contemplates Robins' visit

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Cardiff City will be hoping to dent Bristol City's promotion charge when they do battle at Ninian Park on Saturday.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones will be without striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as he must serve a three-game ban after the club's appeal against his red card for a high boot on Colchester keeper Dean Gerken last weekend was rejected.

Cardiff are also likely to be again without defender Kevin McNaughton who missed the game against United with a hamstring problem.

Winger Joe Ledley should retain his place in the team after making his first start since a hamstring problem against Geraint Williams' side, while Riccardo Scimeca, Trevor Sinclair and Steven Thompson will hope for promotions to the starting XI after coming on as substitutes at Layer Road.

Warren Feeney has recovered from an ankle problem leaving Robbie Fowler (hip) as City's sole long-term absentee.

Double boost

Steve Brooker and David Noble are expected to be included in The Robins' squad against the South Wales outfit.

Brooker was recalled from his loan spell at Cheltenham this week after a rich vein of form that saw him score five goals in his last six matches for the League One side.

The striker has yet to make an appearance for second-placed City this season after undergoing two knee operations.

Noble has resumed training after recovering from the ankle injury that ruled him out of last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

Fellow midfielder Lee Johnson and defender Jamie McCombe are still receiving treatment for their respective heel and hip problems.

Manager Gary Johnson will give the pair as long as possible to recover before naming his squad for the Ninian Park clash.